Koeman urging Barcelona players not to throw in the towel

Barcelona’s season is an exercise in resilience for the fans. A small bit of joy is followed by a cold dunk of reality. An instability which is a consequence of a fragile and unreliable team.

Some fans believe this will just be a transition season, from which you can realistically hope for nothing. Some still believe that the team could hit good form at some point and compete for trophies. And others think that the next generation of Barca talents are being formed.

Koeman is between group two and three. He thinks that at the hour of truth, the side is capable of some success. And that is compatible with bringing in younger players.

“We have to take into account that we’re changing things and giving a chance to younger players, circumstances which favour inconsistency,” said the coach.

He is not throwing in the towel though, despite the Valencia draw. The players know it too and he has told them to push on, with the next games helpful in deciding their title future.

If they can take 15 points from 15 before the Super Cup, Koeman believes, they can fight for the title. That starts tonight against Real Valladolid, followed by Eibar H, Huesca A, Athletic A, and Granada A. Five games in 19 days. A mad calendar.